Mary Mapes Dodge

“ Then, mynheer, he left the mother and crawled to it like a little child. She was not burned, only a part of her clothing. Ah, how kind she was to him all night, watching and tending him. He slept in a high fever, with his hands pressed to his head. The mother says he has done that so much of late, as though he felt pain there. Ah, mynheer, I did not mean to tell you. If the father was himself, he would not harm even a kitten."
For a moment the two boys moved on in silence.
"It is terrible," said Peter at last. "How is he today?" ”

“ Boekman, Hans? There are others in Amsterdam who could help him, perhaps. Boekman is a famous man, sought only by the wealthiest, and they often wait upon him in vain."
"He PROMISED, mynheer, he promised me yesterday to come to the father in a week. But now that the change has come, we cannot wait. We think the poor father is dying. Oh, mynheer, you can plead with him to come quick. He will not wait a whole week and our father dying, the good meester is so kind."
"SO KIND!" echoed Peter in astonishment. "Why, he is known as the crossest man in Holland!" ”

“ If I could find work in Broek or at the South Mill, I would be glad, but it is the same story everywhere--'Wait until spring'".
"It is well you speak of it," said Peter eagerly, "for my father needs help at once. Your pretty chain pleased him much. He said, 'That boy has a clean cut; he would be good at carving.' There is to be a carved portal to our new summer house, and father will pay well for the job."
"God is good!" cried Hans in sudden delight. "Oh, mynheer, that would be too much joy. I have never tried big work, but I can do it. I know I can." ”